The Career Coaching Blog

Here you will find 100+ blog posts on a variety of topics related to the job search process.

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August 12, 2026

Should You Include Short-Term Work on Your Resume?

Terrylynn Smith Blog career advice, job search, job search help, resume

It’s a common scenario: you’re building your resume, and your stomach drops when you see that string of short jobs. Six months here. Four months there. A contract that wrapped up before you’d fully unpacked your desk. The conundrum is…If you leave those short stints off, you create gaps in your work history—and gaps can […]

August 6, 2026

Surviving a Layoff Wave: What to Do in the First 48 Hours

Terrylynn Smith Blog advice, change, job search, laid off, layoffs

It’s happened to many of us at one time or another: Having the wind knocked out of us by the words from our employer, “We’re letting you go.” Maybe you saw it coming. Maybe it blindsided you completely. Either way, your chest feels tight, your mind is racing, and part of you is wondering how […]

July 29, 2026

Skills-Based Hiring: Why Some Employers Are Dropping Degree Requirements

Terrylynn Smith Blog college degree, hiring trends, job advice, job market, job search

Ever stared at a job posting that sounded perfect for you—until you hit that one line? “Bachelor’s degree required.” And just like that, the door felt closed. That trend is starting to change. Something big is shifting in how companies hire. More and more employers are letting go of strict degree requirements and asking a […]

July 10, 2026

Why “Career Agility” Beats the Perfect Resume in Today’s Job Market

Terrylynn Smith Blog career, career advice, career agility, job advice, job search

For job seekers, the resume is sort of the thing we love to hate. Most job seekers have been taught that the resume is the holy grail—that if you can just make it perfect, the offers will roll in. That’s why most job seekers are insecure about the “gaps” in their experience. They’re worried that […]

June 22, 2026

The New Graduate’s Guide to Career Clarity

Terrylynn Smith Blog career advice, graduates, job advice, job search

You did it. The cap and gown, the walk across the stage, the college degree now leaning against your bedroom wall. And then… the question that nobody warned you about: Now what? If you’re feeling more lost than triumphant right now, know that you’re not alone. Thousands of new graduates are sitting exactly where you […]

June 12, 2026

The Career Compass: Finding Direction When You Feel Lost

Terrylynn Smith Blog career, career advice, job advice, job search

Searching for a new job can easily feel like navigating a dense forest without a map. You know you want to reach a better destination, but everywhere you look, the paths seem tangled. Landing the job you want begins with knowing the job you want–but what if you don’t know? If it’s any comfort…you aren’t […]

May 12, 2026

First Job Jitters? How to Start Strong from Day One

Terrylynn Smith Blog career advice, first job, job advice

You did it. After months of late-night study sessions to earn your degree or diploma, sending countless resumes and cover letters, and enduring nerve-wracking interviews, you have finally landed your first full-time job. Take a moment to celebrate this massive milestone. You earned this opportunity through your hard work and dedication. Now that the excitement […]

May 6, 2026

How to Identify Your Core Skills and Leverage Them in Your Job Search

Terrylynn Smith Blog job advice, job search, skills

When embarking on a job search, it’s to feel defined by the piece of paper hanging on your wall or the specific title you held at your last company. You might have a degree in marketing, a certification in project management, or five years of experience as an administrative assistant. While these qualifications are essential, […]

May 2, 2026

Fear of Success Is a Thing: Is It Hindering Your Job Search?

Terrylynn Smith Blog impostor syndrome, job search, success

Most of us know what it is to be afraid of failure, especially when looking for a job. You know what I’m talking about: that knot in your stomach before a big interview, the worry that you aren’t qualified enough, or the anxiety about making a mistake. These are feelings we’ve all felt at one […]

April 16, 2026

The Role of Social Media in Job Seeking: Do’s and Don’ts

Terrylynn Smith Blog job advice, job seeking, networking, social media

When you’re looking for work, social media can be either your best friend or your “Achille’s heel.” On one hand, you can leverage social media to find job openings that aren’t ever listed on Indeed or LinkedIn; on the other, your ill-advised posts could work against you. The reality of our world is this: When […]